Question 1

The idea that an individual can make decisions based only on the available choices is called:

Accepted Answer

Soft determinism posits that while external and internal conditions influence human behavior, individuals still possess the ability to make choices within the constraints of these conditions, thus allowing for decision-making based on available options.

Question 2

The term atavistic means:

Accepted Answer

Atavistic refers to characteristics or traits that are ancestral or reversionary, often implying a throwback to an earlier evolutionary stage, which can be described as "ape-like" in the context of human evolution.

Question 3

The theory that deviant acts were the result of the battle between good and evil is called:

Accepted Answer

The theory that deviant acts result from a battle between good and evil is referred to as both spiritualistic and demonologic explanations. These perspectives historically viewed deviance as a manifestation of evil forces or influences, often attributing it to supernatural causes.

Question 4

A statistical technique using data from a number of studies to compute a common statistic in order to compare results across studies is called:

Accepted Answer

Meta-analysis is a statistical technique that combines the results of multiple scientific studies to identify patterns, discrepancies, or common findings across those studies, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the research topic.

Question 5

Which somatotype did Sheldon determine as more likely to commit delinquent acts?

Accepted Answer

Sheldon's theory suggested that individuals with a mesomorphic body type, characterized by a muscular and athletic build, were more likely to engage in delinquent acts compared to those with other body types.

Question 6

Who posited that offenders are throwbacks to an earlier stage of human development?

Accepted Answer

Cesare Lombroso, an Italian criminologist and physician, is known for his theory that criminals are biologically different from non-criminals and represent a throwback to an earlier stage of human evolution. This perspective is part of his larger work on the biological determinism of criminal behavior.

Question 7

Which of the following is true about biological and sociobiological theories?

Accepted Answer

Biological and sociobiological theories are positivistic as they seek to find scientific and empirical evidence for human behavior. They are among the earliest theories attempting to explain human behavior through biological determinism. These theories also posit that biological factors can influence behavior, not just physical traits.

Question 8

Soft determinism is also called:

Accepted Answer

Soft determinism is also known as neoclassicism, which combines elements of determinism and free will, suggesting that human behavior is influenced by both internal and external factors but individuals still have the capacity for moral responsibility.

Question 9

Which question does theory attempt to answer?

Accepted Answer

Theory attempts to answer the "Why?" question by explaining the reasons behind phenomena or behaviors.

Question 10

Which school of thought posits that individuals make a conscious, rational decision to commit crime expecting a pleasurable outcome?

Accepted Answer

Classicism posits that individuals make conscious, rational decisions to commit crimes, weighing the potential pleasures and pains of their actions. This school of thought emphasizes free will and rationality in decision-making processes related to criminal behavior.

Question 11

Which school of thought believes humans are hedonistic?

Accepted Answer

Classicism posits that humans are rational beings who seek pleasure and avoid pain, which aligns with the hedonistic view of human nature.

Question 12

What are somatotypes?

Accepted Answer

Somatotypes are classifications of human body types based on physical and physiological characteristics, which were originally theorized to correlate with temperament and personality. This concept was developed by psychologist William Herbert Sheldon.

Question 13

What is hedonistic calculus?

Accepted Answer

Hedonistic calculus is the belief that individuals seek to maximize pleasure and minimize pain.

Question 14

Twin studies claim ______________ in behavior for monozygotic (identical) twins than for dizygotic (fraternal) twins or common siblings.

Accepted Answer

Twin studies often find greater concordance (or similarity) in behavior for monozygotic (identical) twins than for dizygotic (fraternal) twins or common siblings, suggesting a strong genetic component to behavior.

Question 15

This school of thought believes behavior is determined by factors beyond the individual's control and that changing behavior requires identifying and eliminating factors:

Accepted Answer

Positivism is the school of thought that believes behavior is determined by factors beyond the individual's control, such as biological, psychological, and social factors. It argues that understanding and addressing these factors are essential for changing behavior.

Question 16

Which of the following studied observable physical features of offenders?

Accepted Answer

Physiognomy and phrenology both studied observable physical features of individuals, but with different focuses. Physiognomy is the assessment of a person's character or personality from their outer appearance, especially the face. Phrenology, on the other hand, is the study of the shape and size of the cranium as a supposed indication of character and mental abilities.

Question 17

Which is NOT true about adoption studies?

Accepted Answer

Adoption studies do not conclusively show that criminal behavior is inherited; they explore the influence of genetics and environment on behavior.

Question 18

Under the belief that deviant acts resulted from the battle between good and evil, individuals who committed crimes were:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Under the belief that deviant acts resulted...

Question 19

Who is considered the father of modern criminology?

Accepted Answer

Cesare Lombroso is considered the father of modern criminology, primarily due to his theory of the "born criminal" and his emphasis on biological factors in criminality, marking a significant shift in the understanding of criminal behavior.

Question 20

Those who saw the solution to crime as setting clear laws and punishments to inform and deter deviant behavior rather than retaliate were called:

Accepted Answer

Classicists believed in the importance of establishing clear laws and punishments as a means to inform and deter individuals from engaging in criminal behavior, emphasizing rationality and free will in decision-making.

Quiz 3: Explaining Delinquency: Biological and Psychological Approaches